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Time
72hrs
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Distance
78kms from Cairns
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How
Self drive
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When
Friday–Monday
10am – Brunch
The Little Larder Cafe
After the scenic drive on the Great Barrier Reef Drive from Cairns, you’re bound to have worked up quite the appetite. You may notice a busy little cafe, The Little Larder, about halfway along Macrossan Street, the vibrant hub of Port Douglas. Don’t let the crowds deter you, it’s quick to get a seat and it will satisfy all of your brunch fantasies. It’s difficult to go past the Mushrooms on Toast (truffle oil – say no more), but the Nutella stuffed brioche French Toast sure does sound incredibly tempting.
11am – Explore
Browse cute and quirky homeware and fashion stores
Browse cute and quirky homeware and fashion stores
Go for artisan at Maker Port Douglas
Go for artisan at Maker Port Douglas
Beautiful Aboriginal art at Ngaru Gallery
Beautiful Aboriginal art at Ngaru Gallery
The hippy shops in Port Douglas have long since evolved to funky boutiques reminiscent to Byron Bay with flowing wrap dresses, soy candles instead of incense, art galleries, shops themed with colourful prints and pom poms, and others sticking to various shades of white and natural textures. Treat yourself to a gelato to combat the tropical heat and take note of the numerous restaurants and bars lining Macrossan and Wharf Streets (you will return later).
1pm – Lunch at Hemingway's
Hemingway's beer tasting paddle
Hemingway's beer tasting paddle
Boardwalk at Hemingway's
Boardwalk at Hemingway's
Marina view at Hemingway's
Marina view at Hemingway's
Sit back and admire the view with a beer or five in hand at Hemingway’s Brewery. Situated at the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Hemingway’s prides itself on its handcrafted beers and food sourced from fresh, local produce. Each beer has its own story and you can sample them on a tasting paddle. Does life get any better?
2pm – Check in at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Tropical Cocktails at Pullman Port Douglas
Tropical Cocktails at Pullman Port Douglas
Pullman Port Douglas pool
Pullman Port Douglas pool
Pullman Port Douglas Apartment Bedroom
Pullman Port Douglas Apartment Bedroom
Spacious, contemporary and offering cool-luxe vibes, Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa will be your tropical oasis. Do the obligatory once-over in the room, checking if it has a comfy bed (it does). But don’t get too comfortable because there’s a pool calling your name and a delicious icy cold cocktail awaiting you.
3pm – Life’s a beach
Bike ride along Four Mile Beach
As you’ve probably learned by now, it can get pretty warm in the ol’ Port so the afternoon is the perfect time to put those legs to work with a stroll or bike ride along Four Mile Beach. Find a private spot along any of the four miles to chill out or if you’re feeling up to it, head to the northern-most end and follow the walking trail up Flagstaff Hill – this will reward you with views of the entire golden beach and surrounding mountains.
5pm – Sunset Sail
Sailaway Sunset Sail
Sea-ize the evening and hop aboard a luxury sailing catamaran to watch the sunset over the Coral Sea in style. Drift out of Port Douglas Marina and along the coastline of Port Douglas as golden hour slowly melts into a dreamy auburn sunset, which is best served with canapes and welcome drinks. Toast to the ultimate first day in tropical paradise.
7.30pm – Relaxed dinner
Sharing is caring at Seabean Tapas
Float off your cruise and sashay your way to Seabean Tapas for oodles of share plates and get ready to transport your taste buds to Barcelona.
7:15am – Buffet breakfast
Breakfast hot station at ALUCO Restaurant
Make the short distance across to ALUCO Restaurant, the resort’s relaxed yet stylish eatery and take full advantage of the buffet breakfast… You’ve got a big day ahead so don’t be shy to tuck in, you’re going to need the energy.
8:20am – Reef day
Snorkel or dive with Tropical Journeys Calypso at Agincourt Reef
Get ready for pristine, blue waters, more fish than you can poke a stick at and corals to inspire your inner artist as you jump on board Tropical Journeys, Calypso. Your day at either Agincourt or Opal Reefs can include introductory or certified dives, or you can admire the reef gardens from above with a snorkel and mask. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are all included so all you need to bring is your camera and yourself.
7:30pm – Flames of the Forest
Flames of the Forest gold marquee
Encircled by a flame lit forest with seating underneath a crystal chandelier laden marquee, Flames of the Forest introduces you to the tastes of Tropical North Queensland with an evening of culture, a tropical tasting menu and wine. Join two local Aboriginal brothers for an intimate experience as they share culture, Dreamtime Stories and didgeridoo performances. Transfers from your hotel are included so you can fully enjoy the selection of beautiful wine and quality beer on offer. Currently available on Tuesday evenings only.
Sunday 9am – Markets
Eat and shop your way around the Port Douglas Markets
All trips to Port Douglas should be timed to include the famous Sunday Markets. Head down early to beat the heat, test your pedal power on the bicycle sugar cane juicer and indulge in a light breakfast served from a coconut. Enjoy the sounds of buskers, stalls brimming with local handicrafts, artisan products, exquisite jewellery, clothes and toys. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and a hat – you’ll thank yourself later.
11am – Lunch & live tunes
The Court House Hotel
Meander across the road to The Court House Hotel (The Courty, as the locals call it), grab a cold refresher, nab a front row seat to the live band and order some lunch. From seafood to schnitties and steak, there’s nothing quite like a quality pub feed on a balmy, tropical day.
1pm – Mossman Gorge
Emerald waters of Mossman Gorge
Emerald waters of Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge from above
Mossman Gorge from above
Guided Dreamtime Walk
Guided Dreamtime Walk
Friends at Mossman Gorge
Friends at Mossman Gorge
Trade the coast for the rainforest and learn about the local indigenous culture on an intimate guided Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge. An Aboriginal guide will give you exclusive access to Kuku Yalanji lands while providing a narrative of the rainforest, uses of the land and the stories and legends of the local indigenous people. Finish with bush tea and damper, then cool off in the emerald waters of Mossman Gorge.
5pm – Drinks
Cocktails at Barbados
Cocktails at Barbados
Outlook over the inlet
Outlook over the inlet
Bar nibbles at Barbados
Bar nibbles at Barbados
“Whoa, you’re going to Barbados. Whoa, back to the palm trees.” It may not be in the Caribbean Sea, but award-winning Barbados Port Douglas overlooking the Coral Sea is definitely comparable. In true Caribbean style, lounge back with a signature rum cocktail on one of their many daybeds and watch as the sun disappears over the mountains and the boats drift into the marina.
7pm – Last hoorah
Bacon Crusted Pork Cutlet at Watergate
Bacon Crusted Pork Cutlet at Watergate
Set amongst beautiful tropical gardens.
Set amongst beautiful tropical gardens.
The perfect venue for a special occasion or final hoorah
The perfect venue for a special occasion or final hoorah
There’s no better place to conclude your stay in Port Douglas than at Trip Advisor’s 2017 Travellers’ Choice Awards fourth Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Australia, Watergate Port Douglas. Set on an ambient deck overlooking lush, tropical gardens and surrounded by flaming lanterns, take the time to reflect on your whirlwind trip while sampling crocodile spring rolls, seafood direct from the trawler, mouthwatering meats or a caramelised leek and mushroom risotto that will melt in your mouth.
10am – Breakfast
St. Crispins Café & Events
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. On your back to the real world (what’s that again?), stop for a lakeside breakfast overlooking majestic mountain ranges and the manicured lawns of the Mirage Country Club at St. Crispins Café & Events. Serving locally roasted coffee and superb breakfast, it’s the perfect place to say goodbye to your incredible three-day getaway.
